Smile-on News

Smile-on News

Time to GULP down sugary message

17 February 2015

A new campaign launched takes the manufacturers of sugary drinks to task as Government data reveals the extent of obesity among children and young people.

Give Up Loving Pop (Gulp)has been created by Food Active following research that revealed the lack of awareness among both adults and young people regarding the link between consumption of sugary drinks and weight gain and a range of associated health conditions.

Gulpwill be rolling into city centres this week to encourage the public to think again before reaching for the pop.

Robin Ireland, Chief Executive of the Health Equalities Group and Director of the Gulpcampaign, said: “Few people fully realise the harm that sugary drinks can do to your health. As well as damaging your teeth, overconsumption of these drinks can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes and poor heart health. Given the levels of overweight and obesity across the UK, in particular among youngsters, unless we start to take action on sugary drinks we will be storing up problems for future generations.

“As sugary drinks manufacturers seem less-than-willing to inform the public about the health harms associated with overconsumption of their products we’ve launched our Gulp campaign to get the message across and take the fight to the manufacturers.”

“With 40% young people reportedly drinking three or more glasses of sugary drinks per day it is vital that we send a message to Government about the damage that is being done to the health of our children and young people and the need for education on healthier alternatives.”

Gulp is rolling out a full social media campaign to spread the message, and will be encouraging the public to pledge to Give Up Loving Pop!